Clint Dempsey and the biggest signings in Seattle sports history

After a PED suspension wiped out the last two months of his 2013 campaign and possibly derailed a potential deal with Seattle before the 2014 season, Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles. His reported four-year, $57 million agreement with the Mariners gives them a big right-handed presence in the middle of the lineup and reunites him with countryman Robinson Cano.

In 1968, the Sonics traded for point guard Lenny Wilkens (pictured at left in 1979). Little did fans know, he would become one of the biggest names in Seattle sports. In his second season with the Sonics, he also became head coach (back in the day of player-coaches) and was a three-time All-Star for Seattle before he was traded away in a highly unpopular move in 1972. Wilkens returned to the Sonics as head coach during the 1977-78 season, and ended up leading the Sonics to the NBA championship in 1979.

In 1970, the year after their inception, the SuperSonics signed college star Spencer Haywood after his sophomore year despite his ineligibility under NBA rules that players had to be four years out of high school. Not only did his signing bring great success to Seattle's former basketball team, it had far-reaching implications for the business world of sports. Haywood sued the NBA under antitrust allegations, and a California federal court ruled in his and Seattle's favor. An appeals court upheld the decision, and now basketball players can go pro before completing four years of college.

An established star in the 1960s, Bill Russell continued his basketball career by coaching in the NBA starting with the Sonics in 1973. By the 1974-75 season, he had Seattle in its first playoff appearance since the team's inception in 1967, and repeated the feat the next season. Though he left the Sonics in 1977, the team continued winning and brought home Seattle's first modern national championship in 1979.

Don James had big shoes to fill when he replaced Jim Owens as the University of Washington's head football coach in December 1974. It wasn't a high-profile signing at the time, but boy did he leave a legacy on Montlake. Now known as the "Dawgfather," James helmed the Huskies for 18 years and brought the UW into the national spotlight. He led the Dawgs to four Rose Bowls, an Orange Bowl and a share of the national championship in 1991. James died at age 80 on Oct. 20, 2013, in Kirkland.

The Sonics' first-round draft pick in 1977, center Jack Sikma quickly became a star in the NBA and is now remembered as an all-time great. The Sonics gave him a contract extension in 1981 and another in 1984, keeping him in Seattle for a total of nine seasons. Sikma finished his playing career elsewhere, but after his retirement in 1991 the Sonics brought him back as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2007.

By the time the Seahawks hired Chuck Knox as head coach in 1983, he had already won NFC Coach of the Year honors with the Los Angeles Rams and won five-straight NFC West titles. In 1978, he went to Buffalo and led the Bills to two-straight playoff appearances. So his arrival in Seattle was a huge deal not just to Seahawks fans but to NFL followers nationwide. Having already earned the nickname "Ground Chuck" for his teams' focus on running the ball, Knox led the Seahawks for nine years and took them to four postseason appearances, including the AFC Championship game in 1984.

When the Seahawks took Brian Bosworth in the 1987 supplemental draft, it was big news across the country. ''The Boz,'' as he was known, was a captivating figure with his edgy attitude and cool-guy persona. Bosworth kept his famous stunts going when he showed up to his first Seahawks practice in a helicopter -- but he didn't end up being the lights-out linebacker many expected, and he played just three years in the NFL.

Considering Edgar Martinez's long and celebrated career with the Mariners, you could argue that his initial minor-league contract, in 1982 as a 19-year-old, was one of Seattle's biggest signings. But it was in 1993 that Martinez got a raise that took him up to more than $3 million a year, and it was his contributions to the magical mid-'90s Mariners that were his biggest. Seattle continued to re-up his contract and Martinez spent his entire MLB career with the Mariners, retiring at the end of the 2004 season.

The Seattle Mariners didn't even have a winning season until 1991, so it was a surprise when they hired Lou Piniella as manager in 1993. Piniella had just won the World Series in 1990 as manager of the Cincinnati Reds and was one of the most sought-after coaches in the MLB. As we all know, his managing turned the Mariners around and they went on their playoff run in 1995, staying strong through the late '90s into the 2001 season. Piniella continues to be beloved in Seattle even though he departed for Tampa Bay after the 2002 season.

After four years with the Sonics, having been selected in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft, star Shawn Kemp got a new contract in 1993 and a raise in 1995 to play for $3 million a year. That solidified his place as Seattle's ''Reign Man,'' and in 1996 he helped lead the Sonics to their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1979. Of course, a contract dispute eventually ended his career in Seattle, but we'll get to that.

Seattle's first-round draft pick in 1990, Gary Payton got paid around $2 million annually for six years with the Sonics. In 1996, his presence at KeyArena was solidified when he got a new contract that paid him more than $10 million a year, eventually nearing $13 million. Payton played in Seattle until he was traded to Milwaukee in 2002-03.

In July 1996, the Sonics gambled on center Jim McIlvaine and gave him a seven-year, $35 million contract. Why was his signing one of the biggest in Seattle sports history? Because it pissed off Sonics star Shawn Kemp, who had asked for a raise but was brushed off by team management. Kemp's anger over McIlvaine's contract eventually led to Kemp's departure from Seattle, when he was traded in September 1997 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Alex Rodriguez was Seattle's first-overall pick in the 1993 draft and the shortstop played in the MLB for the league minimum -- barely more than $440,000 -- through 1996. The Mariners gave him a raise in 1997 and he turned into one of the best players in baseball history. When his contract expired after the 2000 season, the Mariners made Rodriguez a big offer but he took what was then the richest sports contract in history with the Texas Rangers. Now 38 years old and facing a season-long suspension from baseball, Rodriguez is all but hated in Seattle -- and around the rest of the country.

In March 1998, the Seahawks signed veteran Pro Bowl running back Ricky Watters to a four-year, $13 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus. For Seattle fans, his arrival signaled a potential turnaround for the Seahawks, who hadn't seen a winning season since 1990. In 1999, Watters helped lead the Hawks to their first playoff appearance since 1988 and he continued to be Seattle's star running back until Shaun Alexander arrived in 2001.

When the Seahawks hired Mike Holmgren as their head coach in January 1999, it was a huge deal for the 12th Man. In seven years as the coach in Green Bay, Holmgren had led the Packers to two Super Bowl appearances including a victory in 1997 over the New England Patriots. Holmgren's Seahawks became divisional powerhouses, best remembered by Seattle's appearance in Super Bowl XL.

When the Mariners signed Ichiro Suzuki in 2000, it was a huge deal. He was as big as Michael Jordan in Japan and, already 27 years old by the start of Seattle's 116-win 2001 season, was perhaps the most anticipated rookie the MLB had ever seen. The Mariners gave him a big contract extension in 2005, pushing his annual salary up to $12.5 million, and he got another raise by 2008. Though he's now with the Yankees, having been traded during 2012, Ichiro will always be a fan favorite in Seattle.

After the Seahawks traded for Matt Hasselbeck before the 2001 season, it didn't take long for the team to sign the former Green Back backup quarterback to a contract extension worth up to $24 million. Hasselbeck remained the Seahawks' starting quarterback through most of the 2000s, leading Seattle to its first Super Bowl appearance in 2005, and signed several extensions along the way. The Hawks let Hasselbeck walk after 2010 and he is now Andrew Luck's backup in Indianapolis.

After she was drafted in 2011, 6-foot-5 center became an immediate star with the Storm. Along with Sue Bird, she helped lead Seattle's WNBA team to two national championships (in 2004 and 2010) -- the city's only titles between the Sonics' 1979 trophy and the Seahawks' 2013 Super Bowl victory. The Storm signed her to numerous contract extensions throughout her long career, and despite missing 2013 with a hamstring injury, fans hope for her triumphant to the court this season.

Many sports stars arrived to Seattle in the early 2000s. Among them was Sue Bird, whom the Storm drafted in 2002. Like teammate Lauren Jackson, she immediately became a star in Seattle and helped lead the Storm to two WNBA championships (in 2004 and 2010). However, like Jackson, after numerous contract extensions Bird missed 2013 with an injury -- yet, like Jackson, is also expected to make a celebrated return to the court this season.

The star Seahawks running back was home-grown, selected by Seattle in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. But his stellar season in 2005, when he helped lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL, was his last on contract. Before he hit free agency, the Hawks signed him in March 2006 to an eight-year deal worth $62 million -- the largest ever at the time for a running back. Alexander, however, was getting old for an RB (he was 28) and played only two more years in Seattle.

Did you think we'd really leave Junior off this list? Widely considered the biggest sports star in Seattle history, Ken Griffey Jr. was a hero across the nation in the 1990s. He is credited with saving baseball in Seattle thanks to his and the Mariners' magical 1995 postseason, and Safeco Field is often referred to as the "house that Griffey built." After a stint with the White Sox and Reds in the 2000s, Griffey triumphantly returned to Seattle in 2009 when he signed as a free agent, wanting to retire with his original team. Though his departure in 2011 was less than ideal, he was immortalized in the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2013.

After head coach Mike Holmgren retired in 2008, the Seahawks hired Jim Mora as a stopgap for 2009 but fans wanted someone different. With sanctions coming soon for USC, Trojans head coach Pete Carroll was introduced as the new Seahawks honcho in January 2010. He took two years to instill a new culture in the Hawks locker room and build up the roster, and his work has finally paid off. Just look at the Seahawks now.

Seattle acquired "Beast Mode" in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2010 and the 12th Man quickly fell in love with him. After securing his place in Seattle sports lore with his "Beast Quake" run in the 2011 playoffs, Lynch signed a contract extension in 2012 reportedly worth up to $31 million over four years. The perennial Pro Bowler with a penchant for Skittles remains the heart and soul of the Seahawks, helping them bring home Seattle's first Vince Lombardi Trophy in a wild 2013 season.

The re-signing of Mariners ace Felix Hernandez on Feb. 13, 2013, was one of the biggest ever in the world of Seattle sports -- certainly by dollar value, at least. Signed a few months after his August 2012 perfect game, Hernandez's seven-year, $175 million contract extension will keep him in Seattle until he is 34 years old, and he keeps saying he wants to be a Mariner for life.

The Seahawks traded away their first-round NFL Draft pick in 2013 (and a few other selections) to get star wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Vikings in March 2013, immediately signing him to a six-year contract extension worth a reported $67 million. It was a big showing of commitment after a blockbuster trade that shot the Seahawks to the top of the headlines. Harvin played in just three games in his first year in Seattle (including the postseason). One of those games, however, was Super Bowl XLVIII, where he made huge contributions as Seattle won its first Vince Lombardi Trophy. But five games into the 2014 season, the Seahawks shocked the NFL world by trading him to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick after rumors of discord between he and teammates.

Seattle soccer fans went all but insane in August as rumors brewed about the possible acquisition of Clint Dempsey, the captain of the U.S. men's national team. Then, two days later, fans really went insane when the Dempsey transfer became official and the Sounders introduced him as their newest designated player. Though his signing was surely the biggest in club history, his addition to the locker room reportedly caused drama as players each vied to be the star. He didn't perform well at the end of Seattle's 2013 season, but Sounders fans hope he will be a huge force on the pitch in 2014.

When Steve Sarkisian left the UW for his dream job at USC, the Huskies had in mind the perfect replacement. For five years, big-time college football programs had been courting Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, but he rebuffed every offer -- that is, until Washington came knocking. On Dec. 6, 2013, the Dawgs announced their blockbuster signing and less

Chris Petersen — Washington Huskies

When Steve Sarkisian left the UW for his dream job at USC, the Huskies had in mind the perfect replacement. For five years, big-time college football programs had been

The same day the UW announced hiring Chris Petersen, reports ran wild that Robinson Cano, the most sought-after free agent of the 2013 MLB offseason, had reached a deal with the Seattle Mariners, of all teams. His reported contract of $240 million over 10 years is the third-largest in baseball history, trumping the seven-year, $175 million deal Seattle gave to pitcher Felix Hermandez. We'll see how quickly he might be able to inject new energy into the floundering Mariners organization.

After signing a one-year deal with the Seahawks for 2013, defensive end Michael Bennett had a spectacular year as an integral piece of Seattle's suffocating and Super Bowl-winning defense. Along with 8.5 sacks, his knack for disrupting quarterbacks made him, by some accounts, the most sought-after free agent of the 2014 offseason. But the Seahawks pulled out their wallets and signed Bennett, 28, to a four-year deal reportedly worth $28.5 million.

After putting together back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections and helping the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title, safety Earl Thomas was rewarded with a monster extension worth nearly $45 million over five seasons. Blessed with tremendous instincts and incredible closing speed, Thomas was integral to helping Seattle become the No. 1 defense in football. He signed his contract just days before his defensive backfield mate got his turn.

Richard Sherman doesn't like to be second in anything, but we think he was OK with getting his deal done after Thomas. The always outspoken Sherman signed a week later for five years and nearly $59 million, cementing his place as the highest-paid cornerback in football history -- at least for a few days before Cleveland's Joe Haden signed his own megadeal. The extensions for both he and Thomas assured that the Legion of Boom would stick together for at least a few more runs at the Lombardi Trophy.

The Mariners don't often develop homegrown bats like Seager, who quickly progressed from a third-round draft pick out of North Carolina in 2009 to an American League All-Star selection in 2014. Seager led the team in home runs and RBIs last season, and locking him up with a seven-year extension worth a reported $100 million ensured that he would be part of the team's plans for the long term.

And here’s a gallery of Dempsey being introduced as Seattle’s newest designated player before the Sounders’ match Saturday at CenturyLink Field.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men's national team, is introduced as the newest member of Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. less

Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men's national team, is introduced as the newest member of Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey holds up a scarf as fans cheer after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Clint Dempsey holds up a scarf as fans cheer after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, holds up a scarf as he stands with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from right, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from left, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, holds up a scarf as he stands with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from right, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from left, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders. less

A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A tifo -- the large fabric signs displayed at soccer matches -- that reads ''Keep Calm #DempseyWatch'' is displayed after Clint Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

A tifo -- the large fabric signs displayed at soccer matches -- that reads ''Keep Calm #DempseyWatch'' is displayed after Clint Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Fans cheer as Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Fans cheer as Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Fans hold up photos of Clint Dempsey during the ''March to the Match'' on Saturday. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders. less

Fans hold up photos of Clint Dempsey during the ''March to the Match'' on Saturday. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, right, greets Sounders superfan Lorin ''Big Lo'' Sandretzky, left, after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, right, greets Sounders superfan Lorin ''Big Lo'' Sandretzky, left, after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is given a soccer scarf by Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer looks on at right. less

Clint Dempsey, left, is given a soccer scarf by Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is illuminated by a camera flash from the side as he holds up a scarf after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer looks on at right. less

Clint Dempsey, left, is illuminated by a camera flash from the side as he holds up a scarf after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Sounders' Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday. less

Seattle Sounders' Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Clint Dempsey addresses the crowd after he was introduced as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Clint Dempsey addresses the crowd after he was introduced as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, right, captain of the U.S. men's national team and the newest member of the MLS Seattle Sounders, raises a Sounders scarf as he stands with supporters, Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, right, captain of the U.S. men's national team and the newest member of the MLS Seattle Sounders, raises a Sounders scarf as he stands with supporters, Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey raises a Seattle Sounders scarf during a ceremony to introduce him as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Clint Dempsey raises a Seattle Sounders scarf during a ceremony to introduce him as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Seattle Sounders fans Larry McCann, right, and Nancy Cooper, left, both of Seattle, display a sign that has the Twitter hashtag #DempseyWatch outside CenturyLink Field before a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas. Clint Dempsey who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, had been linked by reports to joining the Seattle Sounders. less

Seattle Sounders fans Larry McCann, right, and Nancy Cooper, left, both of Seattle, display a sign that has the Twitter hashtag #DempseyWatch outside CenturyLink Field before a MLS soccer match between the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Misty Saldivar, of Bellingham, has her face painted in support of Clint Dempsey on Saturday prior to a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and reports had linked him to joining the Seattle Sounders. less

Misty Saldivar, of Bellingham, has her face painted in support of Clint Dempsey on Saturday prior to a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Sounders fans carry photos of Clint Dempsey as they take part in the traditional ''March to the Match'' on Saturda.

Seattle Sounders fans carry photos of Clint Dempsey as they take part in the traditional ''March to the Match'' on Saturda.

Josh Youngchild makes a Clint Dempsey No. 2 Sounders jersey Saturday at On the Field, a store that sells Seattle sports team gear.

Josh Youngchild makes a Clint Dempsey No. 2 Sounders jersey Saturday at On the Field, a store that sells Seattle sports team gear.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey and the biggest signings in Seattle sports history

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